When you’re planning a fitted wardrobe, one of the first choices is the type of build. In the UK, there are two main styles: carcass wardrobes and front frame wardrobes. Both will give you that “made-to-measure” fitted look, but they’re built in very different ways. Knowing the difference can help you understand why we recommend one over the other at Dream Bedroom.
Carcass Wardrobes
Think of a carcass wardrobe as a set of complete cabinet boxes, a bit like kitchen units. Each section has solid sides, a base, a top, and a back panel. Inside, shelves, rails, and drawers are fitted neatly into the carcass.
Because each unit is fully enclosed, you get:
- A solid, furniture-like feel
- Smooth, clean interiors that are easy to keep tidy
- Better protection for clothes against dust and drafts
- Consistent finishes, even if your walls or floor aren’t perfectly straight
Front Frame Wardrobes
A front frame wardrobe works differently. Instead of building cabinet boxes, a frame is fixed across the front of the space. The interior storage (rails, shelves, drawers) is then attached directly to your walls, ceiling, or floor.
That means:
- You save a little space because there aren’t any cabinet sides
- You can sometimes squeeze them into awkward gaps more easily
- But, you rely heavily on the walls and floor being true and level
- The inside looks more “open” but isn’t as polished or dust-free
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a friendly breakdown of how the two options stack up:
| Feature | Carcass Wardrobes | Front Frame Wardrobes |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Full cabinet boxes, like proper furniture | Just a frame at the front, storage fixed to walls |
| Look & Feel | Solid, premium, and polished inside and out | Simple and lighter, but can look less finished |
| Durability | Strong, stable, and long-lasting | Dependent on your walls and floor |
| Cleanliness | Enclosed cabinets keep clothes dust-free | Open interiors can let in dust |
| Flexibility | Works even if walls/floors aren’t straight | Needs very level walls and surfaces |
| Space Efficiency | Takes up a tiny bit more room due to cabinet sides | Uses every inch of width, but with trade-offs |
Why We Choose Carcass Wardrobes
At Dream Bedroom, we only supply carcass wardrobes. Why? Because they deliver better value in the long run. They’re sturdier, they protect your clothes, and they look and feel like proper furniture rather than a DIY add-on.
And here’s the best part: thanks to our Value Promise, they often work out cheaper than the big high street brands, even when we include design, installation, and decoration.
So when you’re ready to “wake up in your Dream Bedroom,” you’ll know you’re getting furniture that’s built to last and designed to make the very best use of your space.
